Hyndburn MP Highlights Local Progress and Challenges in Easter Update
Following the Easter parliamentary recess, Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe has provided a comprehensive update on her recent activities and key developments across the constituency. The MP has been actively engaging with local businesses, community groups, and residents, while significant progress is being made on several important projects.
Community Engagements and Funding Successes
Over the past fortnight, Britcliffe has visited multiple local organizations to witness their work firsthand. Her schedule included a tour of Ashley Engineering as they expand their operations at Stonebridge Mill, an observation session with Accrington Air Cadets, and time spent at Brave Church in Oswaldtwistle.
The church initiative has been particularly successful, attracting approximately 100 young people weekly. Britcliffe played a crucial role in securing £12,000 in funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw to support this youth program.
Beyond organizational visits, the MP participated in community events including playing for Accrington Stanley Women's team (who secured a 1-0 victory against Blackburn Eagles) and hosting a pop-up surgery at Asda to hear directly from constituents.
Accrington Victoria Hospital Redevelopment Advances
One of the most significant local developments involves the future of the Accrington Victoria Hospital site. Plans are progressing for the comprehensive redevelopment of this important community asset.
"While the existing building will need to be carefully dismantled," Britcliffe explained, "the heritage elements and original bricks will be preserved and incorporated into future designs to ensure the site serves our community effectively for the next century."
As chair of the oversight group, Britcliffe emphasized her commitment to ensuring the redevelopment aligns with community priorities. The focus remains on delivering health services, a GP surgery, supported living facilities for older residents, and community spaces rather than private housing developments.
Residents are invited to learn more and share their perspectives at a public consultation scheduled for April 23 from 6pm to 8pm at Accrington Library.
Substantial Investments Across Hyndburn
The constituency has seen a series of positive funding announcements in recent weeks:
- A new nursery development at St James' in Altham to support families with childcare
- £1.5 million investment in local college facilities
- £4 million increase in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding across Lancashire
- Additional funding for play park improvements
- £1 million dedicated to veterans' support services in Haslingden
- £20 million planned for Accrington town center regeneration
"This level of investment doesn't occur by chance," Britcliffe noted. "It results from persistent advocacy for our area and collaborative work with government partners to secure tangible outcomes."
Local Council Achievements and Challenges
Under Labour leadership, the local council has delivered several notable accomplishments over the past eighteen months:
- Reopening and reactivating Mercer Hall
- Securing funding and initiating restoration work for Ossy Civic
- Opening the Cath Thom Leisure Centre
- Investing in multiple play areas, cricket pitches, and pavilions
- Reopening King George's Playing Fields
- Maintaining ten Green Flag parks across the borough while freezing Council Tax
However, challenges persist at the county level. Residents continue to contend with persistent pothole issues despite substantial government investment in road maintenance. Additionally, controversial proposals to close Woodlands Care home have raised concerns about decision-making processes affecting vulnerable residents.
Election Context and Employment Concerns
With local elections approaching, Britcliffe acknowledged the significance of these decisions for community representation. "Anyone standing in these elections is committing to represent their community," she stated, while recognizing the challenges candidates face, including increasing levels of abuse in public life.
A pressing employment issue involves approximately 700 BT workers in Accrington and Blackburn facing potential job losses due to proposed site closures. Many affected employees have deep roots in the area and cannot reasonably relocate long distances.
"I've been collaborating with colleagues and the Communication Workers Union to advocate for alternatives that preserve these jobs in East Lancashire," Britcliffe reported, encouraging impacted workers to contact her office directly.
Forward Momentum for Hyndburn
Despite ongoing challenges, Britcliffe expressed optimism about Hyndburn's trajectory. "While we still have progress to make, Hyndburn is undoubtedly moving in the right direction," she concluded. "Increased investment, tangible on-the-ground developments, and dedicated community efforts are creating positive momentum that I will continue advocating for to ensure our area receives its fair share of resources and attention."
